The British are coming! And Wareham's ready for 'em!!

Wednesday

Jun 11, 2014 at 1:54 PMJun 11, 2014 at 2:04 PM

It was 200 years ago that the HMS Nimrod last dropped by Wareham's shores to land 220 marines, make dire threats, set fire to sundry pieces of local property – on shore and afloat – and leave with 12 hostages in thrall.

Some guests.

Frank Mulliganfmulligan@wickedlocal.com

It was 200 years ago that the HMS Nimrod last dropped by Wareham’s shores to land 220 marines, make dire threats, set fire to sundry pieces of local property – on shore and afloat – and leave with 12 hostages in thrall.

Some guests.

They departed with the warning that any further untoward action against them on the part of Wareham’s 12-man militia, and their 12-member brothers in arms from the Agawam militia, would lead to their hostages’ demise. The hostages were said to have included children.

The hostages were later left off at Cromesett Point to walk home, unharmed but hardly treated with the proper manners one would expect of visitors, even if they were on the opposite side of the War of 1812.

It’s said that Wareham’s Ebeneezer Bourne helped spread the alarum that the Nimrod was lurking off the Mattapoisett coast that fateful day. HMS Nimrod was a three-year-old cruiser class sloop bearing 18 guns capable of delivering 262 pounds of solid shot in one broadside, with the individual projectiles weighing in at 32 pounds a pop, according to “Attack of the HMS Nimrod, Wareham and the War of 1812,” by J. North Conway and Jesse Dubuc.

Bourne, irrespective of any copyright issues that may have been involved, is actually believed to have alerted selectmen with the words, “The British are coming! The British are coming!”

The Nimrod and HMS Superb, a 74-gun ship of the line, had been bringing the War of 1812 to local waters, which included a January bombardment of Falmouth.

They were hunting “privateers,” which were Yankee merchant ships outfitted for battle and plunder. Word was out that the town of Wareham was harboring its share, including some from recently shelled Falmouth, and Plymouth, as well.

The Nimrod came calling to settle accounts, anchoring off Little Bird Island, noted Mack Phinney, a captain in today’s Wareham Minutemen and Militia Company, during a recent presentation at Wareham Free Library.

The Nimrod was well known at this point, and the reviews were not wholly favorable, it having previously captured a Wareham-owned ship, and held it for ransom along with two of its crew members.

The British came under a white flag, though the marines were said to be heavily armed, their bayonets glittering in the sun, according to “Attack of the HMS Nimrod.” That may have been more eye-catching than the white flag.

A parley was struck up, the local contingent under a white flag of its own, a handkerchief tied to a cane.

While an agreement to forego hostilities was said to have been forged, these things often break down and in this case the definition of hostilities apparently didn’t include setting fire to Wareham real estate. The Brits were ordered to the center of town, where the town green is now, and proceeded to set a prominent cotton factory afire. It was located where Tremont Nail is today. And they continued to burn things that struck their commanding officer’s fancy along their way.

It’s said that shots were fired at the pyromaniacal lobsterbacks, though cooler heads were said to have prevailed given the threat to the hostages, which included town physician, Dr. Mackie.

Mackie’s impassioned pleas were said to have helped cool Capt. Israel Fearing Jr.’s desire to order his Agawam militiamen to “fire” at will.

At any rate, now the British are coming back and the Wareham townsfolk, led by the intrepid members of the Wareham Summer of Celebration 2014 Committee, have planned a weekend replete with all things 1814, including the opportunity to redress two-centuries-old wrongs by means of martial reenactment.

For those whose love of history is not confined to recounting its myriad instances of warfare, there are all manner of early 19th century diversions planned, including period encampments, dress, and music. The town green, and Tremont Nail and environs will be home to these authentic period encampments on Friday and Saturday, and a reenactment of the action will be held Sunday, June 15.

The Wareham militia will be joined by the Rehoboth militia, and the Yarmouth militia, and two contingents from Rhode Island, including the Rhode Island 2nd Regiment. The United Train of Artillery will also be in attendance and expected to provide a bang or two or three.

Representing the antagonists from the other side of the pond will be His Majesty’s 54th Regiment of Foot.

Parking will be provided at Rosebrook Place by A.D. Makepeace, and there will be shuttles available to and from the action. Main Street will be closed beyond the CVS plaza over the railroad tracks (Tihonet Road) to the Mill Pond Diner corner on Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park Street will be closed from Main Street to Gibbs Avenue by the Congregational Church. Elm Street will be closed. Only local residents who live on those streets will have access.

For a complete rundown, as well as the list of activities to celebrate the town’s 275th, go to wareham2014.com

The Summer of Celebration 2014 is also on Facebook.

Back to the past: 1814 events this weekend

Opening ceremony

DATE: Friday, June 13

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: Town green, First Congregational Church

There will be an opening ceremony as authentic period encampments are set up and muskets are stacked about the immediate vicinity.

Organizers call for visitors to join soldiers from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 for an exciting day, featuring demonstrations of how the early American and British Troops built their camps, cooked their food and prepared for battle. There will be Living History activities and the Period Crafters’ demonstrations. Wagon rides, military drills and a mock battle will take place. Traditional music from the New Bedford Sea Chantey Chorus, the Jolly Rogues and others will add to the festivities. Food vendors will be on hand, and period dress is encouraged. Note: Free parking shuttle service will be available from Redbrook Business Park, Route 28, West Wareham.

Redcoats and Residents Contra Dance

DATE: Saturday, June 14

TIME: 7 p.m.

LOCATION: Tremont Nail Factory area

Organizers say this is your opportunity to put on your dancing shoes and learn to Contra Dance with the militia troops. See how our ancestors performed what is known as the New England Folk Dance during the 18th and early 19th centuries. These line or square dances were a very popular form of entertainment in Wareham’s early history.

Start the day with a period Church Service on the Town Green, prudent preparation in anticipation of the battle to come.

War of 1812 Attack Re-Enactment

DATE: Sunday, June 15

TIME: noon to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Besse Park, Lower Main Street

Two hundred years ago, Wareham was attacked by the British warship, the HMS Nimrod. Head down to Besse Park to watch Wareham’s brave Minutemen and Militia Companies take on the British forces in this historic re-enactment. Music will be provided by the Wareham Fife and Drum Corps, and food vendors will be on hand – settling 200-year-old scores can be hungry work.